Green Bay Packers Should Target Larry Butler in 2016 NFL Draft

The Green Bay Packers have pressing needs at inside linebacker, but they may be able to solve their problems later in the draft.

There is not many draft prospects this year that are as complete as inside linebacker Larry Butler. A senior from the division two school of Southern Nazarene, Butler makes an intriguing day two option for the Green Bay Packers.

I am still as hungry as ever and even more motivated than before.

Through a series of unfortunate events, Butler never had a chance to play for a division one school despite having the talent to. Instead, Butler played through a series of community colleges and division two schools finally ending up at Southern Nazarene University, where he dominated all of the competition.

During his junior season, Butler was already considered a late round option or a potential undrafted free agent steal for teams. Since then, he’s climbed the draft boards and finds himself currently mocked to go in the third or fourth round.

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Butler is a versatile player with intangibles to play anywhere in the front seven on defense. An absolute brute of force standing at 6-foot-1 and 250-pounds, Butler is the prototypical build NFL teams are looking for in a linebacker. He also possesses an estimated 4.67 40-yard-dash time, with personal goals of getting it down to 4.5 seconds. When asked who Butler most compares himself to in the NFL, he said Seattle Seahawks’ Bobby Wagner.

With Julius Peppers in the waning years of his career and Nick Perry a possible free agent this offseason, Butler could be more than just an inside linebacker in the Packers defense. “I definitely could fit in nicely with Green Bay. My skill set would be a nice addition to any team I feel like. I’ve actually started several games throughout my college career at outside linebacker, both weak side and strong side, while even playing some defensive end.”

For the Packers, the addition of Butler and the return of Sam Barrington could give the coaching staff the option of moving Clay Matthews back to the outside linebacker position. The move would help cover ground lost by the loss of Perry or Peppers this offseason.

Despite playing divison two, it is hard to deny the resume that Butler has built over his college career. Butler has been gaining the attention of NFL teams this year with 24 teams calling Butler’s school. The Packers as well as the Atlanta Falcons, Cleveland Browns, San Diego Chargers, Seattle Seahawks, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers have all met with Butler in person.

Butler played out his last season with Southern Nazarene in 2015. Even though he missed four games in 2015 due to a minor ankle injury, Butler still finished the year with 75 total tackles, a sack, two tackles for a loss, and two interceptions in nine games and was elected to the 2015 All-GAC team. Overall, in his college career, Butler finished with 279 total tackles, 18 tackles for losses, 11 forced fumbles, 7.5 sacks, and two interceptions.

One thing is for sure about Butler. His work ethic is unmatched. Butler is constantly working to improve his game. Whether it’s in the weight room or in the film room, Butler is always trying to better himself. “I just had some bad luck ending up at the D2 level–I feel like it gives me another advantage as well as I’m overly focused at the next level knowing I have to work even harder because I have a chip on my shoulder.”

This is the kind of mentality that a defense needs to be built around, making Butler a nice presence for any locker room. On top of it, Butler is a relatively quiet guy who stays out of trouble. All teams should be checking down Butler as an A+ in off-field activities and personality. “My passions off the field always revolve around football. When I’m not on the field, my workout regiment is my main focus as well as my diet, yoga or anything else that can enhance my game and on field performance.”

Butler plans to also finish college with a major in Media Communications this spring before beginning his NFL Career. While the his days playing for Southern Nazarene are done, Butler still has the College Gridiron Showcase to look forward to.

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Moving from Oklahoma to Wisconsin is a big culture shock and an even bigger climate shock, but Butler doesn’t believe that will keep him from succeeding if he plays with the Packers. “I’ve lived in the northern part of the U.S. in Ohio for three years as a child. It’s no big deal at all.”

Butler is projected to go on day two of the draft, making him a relatively nice bargain for any team willing to spend a pick on him. One thing is definite. Whether it’s the Packers or not, Butler is going to have an immediate impact on whichever team he ends up on. Get ready, NFL.